Donald Trump threatened to retake control of the Panama Canal on Sunday, accusing Panama of charging unfairly high fees and drawing sharp criticism from Panamanian President Jose Raul Malino. Reuters Reported
At a rally in Arizona, Trump said he would not let the canal fall into the “wrong hands,” citing concerns about potential Chinese influence, even though China does not control the canal. A subsidiary of Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings has long managed two major ports at the entrances to the canal.
In a post on TruthSocial, Trump reiterated his stance: “Has anyone ever heard of the Panama Canal? Because we’re being ripped apart at the Panama Canal like we’re being ripped apart everywhere else. ”
Trump’s comments were an unusual example of a US leader suggesting that a foreign country should cede territory, a position that underscores the aggressive tone he often takes in foreign policy. have been He criticized Panama’s fee as “ridiculous” and “grossly unfair,” adding, “It was given to Panama and the people of Panama, but there are provisions in it. You treat us fairly.” , and they didn’t treat us fairly.”
Malino strongly rejected Trump’s comments in a recorded message, saying Panama’s sovereignty over the canal was non-negotiable. “Every square meter of the Panama Canal and the area around it belongs to Panama and will remain (belonging to Panama),” Malino said.
The canal, which handles 2.5 percent of world trade, was handed over to Panama in 1999 after decades of US administration. This is important for US trade, especially for imports from Asia. Despite Trump’s inflammatory remarks, the US has no legal recourse under international law to regain control of the canal.